Program Manager - Emerging Tech (Advanced Programs)

About the Role

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. The Advanced Programs Group is seeking a Program Manager with a strong engineering background to support research and development for next-generation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This position reports to a Program Director and is responsible for planning, managing, and ensuring the technical performance of one or more development programs. The role leads all phases of assigned programs from initiation through delivery, applying established technologies and providing solutions to technical problems. You will manage a diverse team and contribute individually as needed, with decisions impacting business unit outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and technical performance to meet quality, business, and financial objectives.
• Develop and coordinate program plans for internal research and development and/or contracted efforts for external customers.
• Collaborate with technical staff, management, and executives to establish and implement short, medium, and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives.
• Work with Engineering to define technical requirements, concepts, critical designs, and evaluation criteria for successful product research, development, integration, test, and evaluation.
• Interact with internal and external stakeholders to resolve technical, cost, and scheduling issues; act as the primary contact for program risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Manage the preparation of proposals, business plans, statements of work, technical specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contracts.
• Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations, and modifications.
• Ensure technical leadership and excellence by participating in planning, recruitment, retention, and development of program personnel.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for program activities and lead program review sessions to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Assist in pursuing new or expanded business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures to enhance capabilities and create new opportunities.

Requirements

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in engineering, science, or a related technical field, along with eleven or more years of progressively complex program administration experience. Equivalent experience may substitute for education.
• Demonstrated technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practices, including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads.
• Ability to develop solutions requiring coordination of technologies across program requirements.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with departments, management, staff, customers, and government representatives.
• Customer-focused, self-initiated, and able to work in a team environment; willingness to work extended hours and travel as required.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience leading Internal Research & Design (IR&D) efforts or contracted programs.
• Previous experience as a Project or Systems Engineer.
• Experience as an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead on a development effort.
• Business or Technical Management degree in addition to a technical degree.
• Experience as a voting member of a Configuration Control Board (CCB) or Material Review Board (MRB).
• Experience as a signatory for engineering drawing release and/or change authorization.

Pay

Salary range: $112,320 – $205,058